On our way to Istanbul…
Today, we arrive in Istanbul at 3 pm where our old friend Lale will meet us and take us to town so we can shop to our hearts delight at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market.
The Grand Bazaar is a fantastic, where you can find most anything from brass pots for making Turkish Coffee to Pashminas in any color that you can imagine. I’ve not yet been to the Spice Market but my brother tells me it’s full of scents that feel like you’ve dunked your head in a stew pot full of the most savory ingredients. I can’t wait.
The trip has been relaxing and great so far. There are a few things I noticed being outside the US:
--Penelope Cruz is the most advertised face in the world; her face graces billboards, TV ads, newspaper pages. There must be something about that slightly long nose and half smile that appeals across cultures.
--Everyone parks on streets as they see fit. Going one way down a street doesn’t mean you have to park in that direction. You can even park on corners. Sometimes I wish we could do that in LA on days when there is alternate side of the street parking. It would be such a better and more efficient use of space.
Now a little about the cruise; if you haven’t done it, you should try it once. A giant hotel where every morning you wake up in a different city, that’s what it is; great for traveling with kids or older parents. The lodging is great and the food is fantastic. Last night, the highlight for me was my roasted tomato bisque – smoky and thick - topped with a freshly baked crouton and drizzled with crème fraiche, while for my mom and brother it was their Dungeness crab salad, delicate and light and featuring the perfect mix of Asian spices. Dad’s favorite was his New York steak that he said was the best he had in years.
The food kept on coming today as watched the ship’s master chef prepare a Grand Marnier Chocolate Volcano Cake in a cooking demonstration in the Food Network style kitchen (with cameras and witty repertoire) and then passed around individuals little volcanoes for all to savor. Yum!
Not much else really. The vacation hasn’t really started until we land in Istanbul, so more later. Meanwhile, it’s time for a game of Scrabble with my mom…
Catch you all later.
655Jack
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